Art Therapy Courses in India

-by Ishita Mondal

–Reading Time – 8 min Approx

“Variety of form and brilliancy of color in the object presented to patients are an actual means of recovery.” ~ Florence Nightingale.

Surely, we do not have to introduce who Florence is. She was a renowned British nurse and social reformer, majorly known as “the lady with the lamp”. As we can see, she expressed how art is used to recover a patient from an illness. Not only she but also many other famous personalities have talked about the benefits of art therapy. Vincent Van Gogh said, “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”

George E. Miller, a popular child advocacy artist, said, “Creating artwork allows your mind to be in a safe place while it contemplates the tougher issues you are dealing with. One can use the tools of brush, paint, pastels, crayons etc., to expose and even for a short time color those issues in a different light.”

So, in short, art is a good way to treat illnesses. Considering this factor, art therapy courses in India became prevalent. Since people have understood the benefits of the therapy, they often join the courses to learn it better. If you are also willing to join any art therapy courses in India or any other place, you should get a basic idea about it.

So, here we are with a detailed discussion of art therapy and its classification into different types. Also, we will be discussing the different art therapy courses in India. It will help you to learn how to become an art therapist in India. Let’s proceed.

Art therapy: The Definition and the Types

To improve the mental health of an individual, is one of the most useful techniques. It is a creative process of healing ailments, especially psychological disorders. The concept of it comes from the belief that art can impact the human mind exponentially. Although art therapy in India and other parts of the world has become quite popular, it was not in the frame until it was 1940. Before that, in the medieval period, people used art for multiple purposes.

It has been used as a mode of communication. In ancient times, men communicated through various signs as they did not have any prominent language. Later, art became a medium of expression.

In many cases, we have seen art movements to express the point of view. Art also became a mode of protest. Cartoons came into the limelight as a form of counter-attack to the politicians and others. Along with all these purposes, art therapy became a popular form of treatment that helps treat mental ailment.

As per The Wiley Handbook of Art Therapy, it was started after a program in 1940. Then, doctors found that art can work as a healer for poor mental health. It treats the problems naturally without any hardcore medicines and tiresome techniques. Later many other programs were organized on different cases only to establish the fact deeper. Experts found that autistic children respond well with art therapy; children with critical dyslexia can be treated with art therapy. Even some of the crucial cases of mental health issues were cured with the help of this therapy. It speeds up the effects of medicine and other medical techniques for these severe cases. The major types of art therapy are:

Writing Therapy:

Well, we can talk endlessly about it. Nobody can ignore the therapeutic effects of writing. Keep aside any creative writing. Simply, journaling is enough to calm down your mind and bring peace. Psychologists often suggest writing down your emotions to get rid of them. Go through any mental health blogs; you will find writing as a suggestion to improve the mindset. Are you tired of scattered thoughts? Do entangled thoughts disturb your mind? Too skeptical about what is going on in your mind? Write it down! Write whatever you have in your mind. You will find your headlight after it. However, therapeutic writing includes other forms as well, along with freewriting or journaling. They are:

• Novels
• Romantic poems and short stories
• Descriptive narratives
• Travelogues
• Monologues
• Dialogues or drama writing

Somebody in depression can lift up their moods with such creative modes of writing. It relieves the stress helping them to find a purpose in life.

Dance Therapy:

If you want a wholesome improvement in various aspects of life- emotional, social, cognitive, and physical communication, it is the best therapy. Dance therapy or dance movement therapy plays a great role in keeping your body postures well. Thus, you will get all the benefits of exercising without doing strenuous processes.

It increases strength, decreases muscle tension, and enhances the coordination among the body muscles and bone joints.  So, to improve your psychological, physical, and intellectual health. It majorly treats anxiety, chronic pain, depression, dementia, eating disorder, sleeping disorder, etc. Also, it is a great technique for post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Hence, it is a popular art therapy in India that people opt for.

Drama Therapy:

it is one of the most creative art therapies in India. Under this therapy, the individuals are asked to play different roles; learn new skills, and inculcate several qualities within themselves. With lots of improvisations, takes-retakes, scriptwriting, editing, role-playing, drama therapy helps to direct your mind towards positive thoughts. Also, it boosts confidence and develops problem-solving skills. This therapy includes both techniques- regular drama practices and psychotherapy treatment like thinking or practicing to cope with adverse situations, etc. It is often found that people with drug addictions can get rid of their addiction once they get indulged in drama therapy techniques. The therapy can be performed anywhere.

However, considering the intensity of the patients’ problems, the experts suggest different places for the process. The places usually are:

• Hospitals
• Drama academies
• Group homes
• Rehabilitation centers
• Private chambers
• Schools
• Community centers
• Wellness centers

Music therapy:

Another great art therapy technique in India and other areas is music therapy. It utilizes the music’s natural quality of healing. Whether it is composing the lyrics or setting the tunes, the therapy works magically. Simply listening to your preferred music can uplift your mood anytime. Since the ancient days, our ancestors have researched it. Based on the researches, there are various types of music therapy. They are as follows:

• Community music therapy- It includes engagement among the people.
• CBMT or Cognitive-behavioral music therapy: it helps to improve the behavioral patterns in an individual.
• Nordoff-robbins music therapy: It comprises of playing an instrument.

Vocal psychotherapy:

Different vocal exercises are included in it. Along with natural sounds, various breathing techniques help to cure the troubles.

• Analytical music therapy: In this process, you will find musical dialogues that express your unconscious thoughts.
• Benenzon Music Therapy: it combines the different aspects of psychoanalysis with the rendition of the music.

Art therapy courses in India: Application of Art therapy based Education:

So, we have seen how art therapy helps to improve our lifestyle. From mental health to physical uneasiness, it takes care of all. India is always known as a hub of cultural amalgamation. Therefore, it is natural that art therapy can be applied more perfectly here than anywhere else. Yes, experts are here with in-depth knowledge of art and psychology. They help people to cope up with their illnesses with effective art therapy. Different techniques, including coloring, finger painting, photography, making sculptures, doodling, creating mandala art, etc., are found. Many institutions in India offer art therapy courses in India. While some of them are good with all of the necessary facilities, some are not worthy enough to look at. Let us mention here one of the best institutions for it. It is Anthelion School of Art.

Anthelion School of Art: The Activities and their Impacts on the Society:

With a team of professional art experts, the school opens the door to creative opportunities for individuals. Those who want to brush up on their painting skills or drawing skills can visit here. Undoubtedly, the school is one of the most noteworthy schools of art. Unlike many other art schools, it does not focus only on art training. Instead, it offers art therapy-based painting classes. And the best part is that there is no age limit for this training. Anybody can avail of it.

The school does not limit itself to training the individuals only. It exhibits its work and services in different art galleries, online art galleries, workshops, and so on. Different mediums are available, including watercolor, pastel, oil & acrylic, and sketch. The mentors here are skilled enough to teach you the best techniques of combining psychoanalysis and painting. Both group-based and private lessons are provided. Special art classes for kids enhance their creative abilities of the children. Thus, since 2017, the school has been impacting society to a great extent. It overall contributes to improving the happiness quotient among the people.

If you are ready to learn the art therapy courses in India, you should definitely check out the Anthellion School of Art. Trust the company to inculcate the theme of creativity in your mind. If it is not available for any reason, you can visit other institutions. You can find them in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, and other areas.

Art Therapy Courses in India: Where is the Future Heading:

The therapy is beneficial. But when it comes to art therapy specialists, the number is still few. Why are there not enough renowned art therapy experts? It is said that the main reason behind it is that people are not yet fully aware of the courses. Still, even after many such mental health issues passed on, they desire to cope up with it all alone. Hence the demand for the therapist is still low. We need more awareness about the benefits of art therapy courses. Only then will people join the courses and learn the process of healing soon.

Such issues need to be resolved soon. Only then will we find more effective art therapy courses in India. The future of every individual on this earth will be more creative, stress-free, and happy.

-by Ishita Mondal

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